Secure Integrated Mobile Internet Protocol Transit Case

ABSTRACT

A self-contained wireless internet protocol system includes a power supply converter for receiving input power of any type and converting the input power to a system power. A wireless local area network (WLAN) bridge and a wireless wide area network (WWAN) bridge contained within a case receives the system power. A mobile access router also receives the system power and facilitates data communications between the WLAN bridge and the WWAN bridge.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to network integration systemsfor wireless networks. More particularly, it relates to incorporation ofwireless wide area network components and wireless local area networkcomponents into a self-contained, mobile transit case.

BACKGROUND ART

The benefit of wireless local area networks (WLAN) and wireless widearea networks (WWAN) are well documented in the literature. Wirelesslocal area networks, which are based upon the IEEE 802.11 standard,allow for workers and others to disconnect their laptop computers orother internet compatible devices from a server or the like and yet stayconnected to the network provided that there is a nearby access point.Such wireless local area networks give users broadband mobility whichallows them to access e-mail, calendar functions, corporate databasesand the internet while moving around their office building or inproximity to “hot spots,” that are provided at airports, conferencerooms, and the home. And as wireless local area network devicesproliferate, the cost of such devices is becoming more affordable. Suchwireless local area networks enhance productivity for sales forces,customer relations management, enterprise resource planning and supplychain management. And such capabilities will have an immediate impactupon the insurance, real estate, health care industries and in the fieldof public safety and emergency response.

Although local area networks provide improvement in mobility inasmuch asa computer or other internet compatible device does not require to beplugged in, the user is still limited to areas which provide “hot-spot”coverage. Accordingly, the next step up from a local area network is awide area network which is a geographically distributed collection oflocal area networks. A router allows for interconnection of local areanetworks to a wide area network inasmuch as the router may have both alocal area internet protocol address and a wide area network internetprotocol address. Typically, a router is maintained in a fixed andsecure location. Therefore, although users on a local area network maymove within the local area network, their movement is still limited tothe range of the access point.

This limitation is problematic, especially for emergency responders andmilitary command users. These entities need to be able to rapidlycommunicate voice, data and video signals with command centers. It willbe appreciated that existing network and power infrastructure may besignificantly damaged by natural calamities or terrorist events and, assuch, not readily available to the emergency responder. Or in militaryapplications, there is likely no existing infrastructure or even ifavailable, it is likely incompatible with the systems desired. Moreover,the existing network may not be secured in a manner needed for such anapplication.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for emergency responders andothers to quickly setup a wireless wide area network capable ofsupporting at least one wireless local area network. There is a furtherneed for this system to be easily transported and powered by differenttypes of available power supplies.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a first aspect of the present invention to provide a secureintegrated mobile internet protocol transit case.

Another object of the present invention, which shall become apparent asthe detailed description proceeds, is achieved by a self-containedwireless internet protocol system, comprising a power supply converterfor receiving input power of any type and converting said input power toa system power; a wireless local area network (WLAN) bridge receivingsaid system power; a wireless wide area network (WWAN) bridge receivingsaid system power; and a mobile access router receiving said systempower and facilitating data communications between said WLAN bridge andsaid WWAN bridge.

These and other objects of the present invention, as well as theadvantages thereof over existing prior art forms, which will becomeapparent from the description to follow, are accomplished by theimprovements hereinafter described and claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a complete understanding of the objects, techniques and structure ofthe invention, reference should be made to the following detaileddescription and accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a wireless local area networksas part of a wireless wide area network according to the presentinvention; and

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a transit case embodying theconcept of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, it can beseen that a network system is designated generally by the numeral 10.The system 10 comprises at least a wireless wide area network designatedgenerally by the numeral 12 which employs a wireless area networkantenna 13. The wireless wide area network or WWAN 12 is configured tosupport at least one and preferably a plurality of wireless local areanetworks (WLAN) designated generally by the numeral 14. Each WLAN 14provides at least one local area network antenna 15. Those skilled inthe art will appreciate that the wireless local area network 14preferably complies with IEEE 802.11 and all subcomponents of thatstandard. However, it will be appreciated that the teachings of thepresent invention are equally applicable to other types of wirelesslocal area networks that may be integrated with one another andcompatible with a wide area network.

The WAN antenna 13 is connected to a transit case designated generallyby the numeral 16. Details of the transit case will be discussed as thedescription proceeds but suffice it for now that the case 16 facilitatescommunications between the WWAN and the WLAN and all associatedperipheral devices. These devices are sometimes referred to as“clients,” and may include personal digital assistants 20, laptopcomputers 22 with UTP ethernet connections, PCMCIA cards, internetprotocol phones 26, and internet protocol video devices 28. It will beappreciated that any device able to support wireless communications viaaccepted internet protocol standards may be made part of the local areanetwork 14. Indeed, a satellite communications link 30 may be employedto communicate with either the wireless wide area network 12 or even thelocal area network 14. Of course, the satellite 30 may communicate withother hard-wired points or internet based devices. Indeed, it will beappreciated that the WWAN 12 and the WLAN described herein areeffectively nodes and that it is envisioned at any type of wireless nodesuch as a network bridge or network access point may be a part of thesystem 10 and included within the case 16. Accordingly, it is envisionedthat a satellite communication device may be incorporated internally orexternally within the case 16.

The transit case 16 may be carried by a mobile vehicle 31. In thepreferred embodiment, the transit case 16 is configured for military andemergency response applications and allows for a communicationsinterface among and between both the WLAN and the WWAN. The mobilevehicle 31 is preferably a vehicle capable of traversing difficultterrains that may be encountered by armed forces. In the alternative,the vehicle may be a boat, a plane, a tethered or untethered aerostat orother readily moveable device. Ideally, the vehicle 31 is relativelystationary during use of the network so as to enhance communicationsbetween the various networks, but it will be appreciated that thevehicle 31 may be moveable while still maintaining the operativeconnections for both networks.

As best seen in FIG. 2, the transit case 16 is preferably aself-contained housing which incorporates a bottom 32, an appropriatenumber of side panels 34 extending from the bottom 32, and a detachabletop 36 that is mateable around the outer periphery of the side panels34. Extending from the side panels 34 or other areas of the housing arehandles 37. These handles allow for transfer of the case 16 as needed.It will further be appreciated that the case 16 is likely secured withbolts and/or appropriate brackets to the vehicle so as to prevent damageto the case during movement of the vehicle. Although any material couldbe used for the case 16 such as steel, fiberglass or polycarbonate, itis believed that anodized aluminum provides the needed strength,durability and light weight needed for the case's likely environment.Furthermore, a, gasket or gaskets may be interposed between the top 36and the side panels 34 to likely qualify the case as a NEMA 4 ratedenclosure.

Electrical power is provided to components within the case 16 and may bein any various number of forms. It is envisioned that the primary sourceof input power in emergency response situations will be 12V DC which issupplied from the vehicle's electrical battery or other external standalone battery, fuel cell or generator carried by the vehicle. This poweris designated as V_(A) ⁺in FIG. 2. In the alternative, it will beappreciated that 110V AC input power provided by a standard residentialpower source, which is designated as V_(B) ⁺in FIG. 2, may also bereceived by components within the transit case. Of course, the transitcase can be adapted to receive other types of input power voltages andfrequencies.

One of the side panels 34 provides a power cable opening 38therethrough. A cord grip 40 may be installed within the cable opening38 wherein the grip 40 provides strain relief for receiving a powercable 42 from the battery carried by the mobile vehicle 31. The powercable 42 is connected to a power inverter 44 which transforms andconverts the received 12V DC, or the appropriate voltage input by thevehicle 31, to an internal voltage of 110V AC. The power inverter 44provides at least one switched outlet 45 which may be utilized forcomponents within the case 16 or for a component outside of the case. Inany event, the power inverter 44 generates the internal 110V AC that isreceived by a relay switch 46. Preferably, the side panel 34 provides anaccess port 50 which allows for direct receipt of an external 110V ACfrom a standard residential outlet or from a generator. If such apreferred power source V_(B) ⁺is detected by the relay switch 46, thenthe power generated by the inverter 44 is cut off. However, if no otherAC source is sensed by the relay switch 46 then the power generated bythe inverter 44 is transferred to the AC to DC power supply 48 which, inturn, generates a system power for distribution to components within thecase. The system power refers to the various voltage values distributedto other components within the case 16. Based on the preferredembodiment, the power supply provides 3.3V DC, 12V DC, 15V DC, 24V DCand up to 48V DC. Of course, other voltage values could be generated asnecessitated by the components contained within the case.

The case, and in particular one of the side panels 34, provides a fanintake port 54 while one of the opposed or adjacent panels provides afan exhaust port 58. A fan 60 is electrically connected to the relayswitch 46 and generates an air flow from the intake port 54 to thefiltered exhaust port 58 for the purpose of cooling the internalcomponents within the case so as to prevent their overheating. It willbe appreciated that the intake and exhaust ports 54 and 58 may bepositioned anywhere in the side panels, or in the bottom or top of thecase so as to allow for an appropriate amount of airflow therethrough.The fan 60 and its respective intake port 54 are IP 55 rated. In thepreferred construction the fan 60 pulls 29 CFM through the case. It willfurther be appreciated that the components within the case may havetheir own internal fans to provide the desired thermal management of thecase.

One of the side panels 34 provides an antenna cable opening 62 which isassociated with a surge protector 64. The opening 62 receives a coaxialtransmission cable 66 that is connected at one end to the antenna 13.The antenna 13 facilitates operation of the wireless wide area networkand provides coverage of up to twenty five (25) miles depending upon theheight of the antenna and it's frequency of operation. The length of thecable 62 is determined by the height of the mast to which it isattached. Atop the mast is a sectorized antenna ensemble that allows for360″ propagation. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the artthat the WWAN is significantly more far reaching than WLAN. If thetransit case is utilized in a military application and FederalCommunication Commission regulations can be ignored, a range of up totwenty-five (25) miles can be obtained. However, in a regulatedenvironment, the range of the network will depend upon the height of theantenna's mast. For example, a three hundred foot mast height couldextend the WWAN to twelve to fifteen miles. Another factor indetermining the range of the wide area network is the frequenciesutilized by the system. With an optional up/down frequency converter 70that receives a WWAN signal 68 carried by the cable 66, the networks canswitch between a 900 MHz range to a 2400-2500 MHz range to a 5700-5800MHz range. This adds versatility and stealth to the overall system. Inother words, the system may avoid radio frequency jamming attacks orallude avoid a “noisy” RF environment simply by changing the frequencyrange.

The WWAN signal 68, after processing by the frequency converter 70, isdirected to a bidirectional amplifier 72 for the purpose of boosting thesignal 68 as needed. It will be appreciated that the amplifier 72 ispowered by the AC to DC power supply 48 and in particular receives 24VDC therefrom. And the power supply 48 generates 12V DC that is suppliedto a power-over-ethernet injector 76 which in turn powers a WAN bridgewhich receives the signal 68 from the amplifier 72. In other words, theWAN signal 68 enters the WAN bridge 74 from the antenna 13, propagatesthrough the injector 76 and on to a mobile router 80.

In the preferred embodiment, the router 80 is a CiscO™ 3200 SeriesMobile Access Router. The router 80 provides data, voice and videocommunications, seamless mobility and interoperability across multiplewireless networks. The router 80 is capable of forwarding data atmulti-gigabytes per second speeds which allow for vast packets of datato be implemented in IP routers. Such a device allows for the routing oflarge data, voice and video packets to the appropriate IP—WAN orLAN—networks while many elements are in motion. The router 80 may beconnected to an encryptor 82 for the purpose of encrypting and/ordecrypting the network signals. The router 80 receives 24V to 48V DCfrom the power supply 48. The encryptor 82 receives the appropriateoperating voltage from the supply 48 and/or the router.

The wireless local area network is generally facilitated by at least oneand preferably two rugged antennas 15 which are mounted on or within thecase 16. Other connections to the case may be utilized such as a dipoleantenna(s) attached to a fitting or fittings on the case. Such anantenna may be mounted on a fender of a vehicle that is transporting thecase. The wireless LAN has an operating radius of up to 2000 feet fromthe case. It is believed that use of multiple antennas 15 provide anenhanced continuity of coverage and overcomes any omissions by theantenna's field radiation pattern. In any event, a LAN signal 86 istransmitted and received by the antennas 15. The LAN signal 86 isprocessed by a LAN bridge 88 which converts the wireless signal to adiscrete signal. The LAN bridge is powered via a power-over-ethernetinjector 90. The injector 90 is powered by 12V DC received from thepower supply 48. If desired, a firewall 92 may be interposed between theinjector 90 and the router 80 for the purpose of disallowing anyunauthorized entry into the network. For example, if a packet sourceaddress is not approved by the router 80 it is not allowed to passthrough the firewall. It will also be appreciated that encryption may beemployed between a firewall and client as deemed appropriate. Thepreferred firewall 92 carried by the case is a CISCO PIX™ securityappliance which provides robust, enterprise, class integrated networkssecurity service including stateful inspection firewalling, protocol andapplication inspection, virtual private networking, in-line intrusionprojection and various other features. The firewall 92 is powered by3.3V DC generated by the power supply 48.

The bridges 88 and 74 receive their respective area network signals andprovide seamless connectivity from wireless to wired networks and viceversa. It will be appreciated that the bridges are designed to connecttwo or more networks and facilitate point-to-point andpoint-to-multipoint configurations over the range provided by therespective antennas. Accordingly, the bridges allow multiple sites toshare a single, high-speed connection to the internet or other dedicatednetwork system. For functional flexibility, the wireless bridges may beconfigured as access points themselves.

One of the side wall panels 34 may be provided with a connector opening94 which includes at least one connector port 96 that is connected tothe router 80. Accordingly, system maintenance may be performed from alaptop computer or the like via the ports 96 to the router 80. Thisallows for assigning of IP addresses and other related designations.Such a connection would also allow a technician to monitor theoperational performance of the router, the bridges, the power supply,the inverter and any other components contained within the case 16. Thecase 16 may also provide a display 98 that is operatively connected tothe router 80 and other components within the case for the purpose ofshowing the operational status or programming data associated therewith.

It will further be appreciated that the power supply 48 adjusts theinput voltage V_(A) ⁺or the 110V AC source (V_(B) ⁺) provided by eitherthe inverter 44 or direct input, and provides system power to the router80 and associated encryptor 82 and also to the injectors 76 and 90.Additionally, the power supply 48 supplies the necessary system power tothe bridges 88 and 74 and also to the bidirectional amplifier 72.

The system 10 is expandable in view of the various wired and wirelesssystems that exist. The system 10 may be integrated with the satellite30, commercial telephony, GPRS, and other means. Accordingly, in anemergency environment there is no limit as to where a “headquarters”operation center can be located. An area of system “operations” can bearound the globe from its tactical leadership. Thus, if the fieldoperation is in need of material housed in a distantly remote database,the connection can be made. If the remote “op center” is in need of“field data” to make a decision, the client of a mobile WLAN can gathersuch information, transmit it to the apparatus' systems WLAN, then tothe WWAN, and then to an interconnect satellite or otherwise back to theoperation center. It will be appreciated that the router and relatedhardware and software associated therewith is adaptable to differentwireless telecommunication modes. These various modes on associated datarates are listed in the table below.

VOICE DATA RATE(ACTUAL) GSM GPRS 30-80 Kbps CDMA RTT1X 40-160 Kbps GSMEDGE 100-150 Kbps W-CDMA EVDO 256 Kbps

GSM, which stands for global system for mobile communications, is acommunication system which provides for international roamingcapability. As such, it provides consumers with seamless and samestandardized number contactability in most every country. Moreover, GSMsatellite roaming has extended service access to areas where terrestrialcoverage is unavailable. GSM is utilized by approximately 90% of theworld and as such the features are desirable for incorporation into thepresent invention. GSM voice capabilities are compatible with GPRS,which stands for general packet radio service, and which allowsinformation to be sent and received across the GSM telephone network.GSM may also support the EDGE standard or enhanced data rates for globalevolution, which also deliveries broadband-like data speeds to mobiledevices. This system allows consumers to connect to the internet andsend and receive data, including digital images, web pages andphotographs, supposedly three times faster than the GPRS network. Othervoice data transfer standards are CDMA and W-CDMA wherein the Windicates a wideband service. It is envisioned that the disclosed deviceis capable of supporting such standards and communications in theinternet protocol traffic. Indeed, the W-CDMA supports the EVDO whichstands for evolution data only. EVDO supposedly supplies wireless dataactions that are ten times as fast as a regular modem. In any event, itwill be appreciated that the transit case and the associated router isadaptable to the evolving data communication standards for wired andmore specifically wireless technologies as they evolve.

Another feature that may be incorporated into the transit case andassociated hardware components contained therein are anti-hacking tools.Whereas the Up/Down frequency converter allows the device to avoid aninvader, the anti-hacking tool will initiate a large number of fakeinternet protocol addresses such that any hackers are dissuaded inasmuchas it is to difficult to discern which IP address is genuine and whichis not. Therefore, it will be appreciated that the router and associatedcomponents are programmable or modifiable with hardware to enhance thesecurity of the transit case and associated mobile internet protocol.

Based upon the foregoing, the advantages of the present invention arereadily obvious. In particular, by employing a single transit case thatprovides both a local area network bridge and a wide area network bridgein conjunction with a router, connections to the internet may be quicklyestablished. Indeed, the system 10 allows for establishment of a networkin emergency response situations in areas where internet or networkaccess is not easily facilitated. The transit case 16 is advantageous inthat it provides the appropriate inverter and power supply configurationto receive any number of different types of power voltages and operatingfrequencies and converts it to the necessary power required to operatecomponents within the case. In particular, the power supply adjusts theinput voltage to an appropriate voltage value for driving the bridgesand power over ethernet injectors. Additionally, the power supply isutilized to power the router and the bidirectional amplifier. Althoughthe inverter supplies power to the fan 60 via the relay switch it willalso be appreciated that the power supply 48 can be configured to do thesame. By providing such a compact configuration wherein the bridgecomponents and router components are integrated with one another andwherein antennas are easily configured to attach to the transit case, atruly mobile internet system is provided. Moreover, the system iscapable of supporting any number of local area networks and wide areanetworks based only upon the limitations of the router 80. Therefore, itis believed that all of the objects of the invention are carried out bythe transit case and that a definite improvement in the art has beenrealized.

Thus, it can be seen that the objects of the invention have beensatisfied by the structure and its method for use presented above. Whilein accordance with the Patent Statutes, only the best mode and preferredembodiment has been presented and described in detail, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby.Accordingly, for an appreciation of the true scope and breadth of theinvention, reference should be made to the following claims.

1-15. (canceled)
 16. A self-contained wireless internet protocol system,comprising: a power supply receiving input power of any type andconverting said input power to a system power; a wireless local areanetwork (WLAN) bridge receiving said system power; a wireless wide areanetwork (WWAN) bridge receiving said system power; a mobile accessrouter receiving said system power and facilitating data communicationsbetween said WLAN bridge and said WWAN bridge; and a case which carriessaid power supply, said WLAN bridge, and WWAN bridge, and said mobileaccess router; and an inverter carried in said case, said inverterreceiving and transforming an external mobile voltage value into aninternal voltage value, wherein said internal voltage value is receivedby said power supply for conversion to said system power.
 17. The systemaccording to claim 16, further comprising: a firewall coupled to saidmobile access router and to said WLAN bridge to monitor communicationstherebetween.
 18. The system according to claim 16, further comprising:a relay switch electrically connected between said inverter and saidpower supply, said relay switch receiving and transmitting a preferredexternal voltage value instead of said external mobile voltage value tosaid power supply.
 19. The system according to claim 16, furthercomprising: a WAN injector electrically connected between said WANbridge and said power supply; and a LAN injector electrically interposedbetween said LAN bridge and said power supply; said injectors receivingsaid system power.
 20. The system according to claim 16, furthercomprising; a wide area network antenna extending from said case andtransmitting and receiving a wide area network signal; and abidirectional amplifier contained within said case and receiving saidsystem power, said bidirectional amplifier receiving and transmittingsaid WAN signal between said WAN bridge and said WAN antenna.
 21. Thesystem according to claim 20, further comprising: an up/down converterelectrically connected between said WAN antenna and said bidirectionalamplifier, said up/down converter adjusting the frequency of said WANsignal.
 22. The system according to claim 16, further comprising: atleast one local area network antenna extending from said case, andtransmitting and receiving a local area network signal, wherein said LANbridge is connected to said local area network antenna.
 23. The systemaccording to claim 16, further comprising: a fan carried within saidcase, said case having an intake port and an exhaust port, wherein saidfan generates an air flow through said ports.
 24. The system accordingto claim 23, wherein said fan is electrically connected to a relayswitch.
 25. The system according to claim 16, wherein said case has atleast one connector port electrically connected to said router.
 26. Thesystem according to claim 16, further comprising: an encrypterassociated with said mobile access router to encrypt communicationsassociated with said WWAN bridge and WLAN bridge.
 27. The systemaccording to claim 16, wherein said power is generated at least at twodifferent values and distributed to said bridges and said router. 28.The system according to claim 27, wherein said system power isdistributed to other components at an appropriate level.
 29. Aself-contained internet protocol system, comprising: a power supplyreceiving input power and converting said input power to a system power;a local area network (LAN) bridge receiving said system power and havinga first single input; a wide area network (WAN) bridge receiving saidsystem power and having a second signal input; an access routerreceiving said system power and facilitating data communications betweensaid local area network bridge and said wide area network bridge; arouter connection port configured to connect external devices to thesystem; and a router display configured to show the operational statusof the system.
 30. The system of claim 29 wherein the input powercomprises a DC power input type or an AC power input type.
 31. Thesystem of claim 29 wherein the input power comprises a plurality of DCpower input types.
 32. The system of claim 29 wherein the input powercomprises a plurality of DC power input types or a plurality of AC powerinput types.
 33. The system of claim 29 further comprising a pluralityof power input ports, each power input port configured to accept atleast one type of input power.